If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that perfectly captures the joyful spirit of the season, look no further than this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars are everything you love about classic sugar cookies—soft, buttery, and sweet—but baked in a convenient pan format that’s perfect for sharing at holiday parties or cozy family gatherings. Frosted with creamy vanilla icing and sprinkled with colorful holiday fun, each bite offers a delightful blend of texture and nostalgia that’s simply irresistible.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a key role: butter brings tenderness and richness, sugar adds the perfect sweetness, and the flour provides structure to give these bars their soft, cakey texture. The frosting ingredients transform the bars into a festive masterpiece, while the sprinkles add that extra pop of holiday cheer.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookie dough, ensuring tender bars.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture when creamed with butter.
2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together, contributing moisture and structure.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, aromatic depth that complements the buttery flavor.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure builder in the dough, balancing softness and chewiness.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A touch of leavening to give the bars a slight lift and tenderness.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors, preventing the bars from tasting flat.
Holiday sprinkles (for decorating): Adds festive color and a fun crunch on top.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates a rich, creamy base to make the frosting luscious.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a smooth finish.
2 tablespoons milk: Helps achieve the ideal frosting consistency—spreadable yet thick.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Brightens the flavor of the frosting, balancing the sweetness.
Food coloring (optional): Perfect for customizing the frosting hues to match your holiday theme.
More holiday sprinkles for topping: The final festive touch to make your bars truly shine.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your bars will come out perfectly without sticking, making for easy cleanup and neat squares.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key to a tender texture because it incorporates air into the dough, creating bars that are soft yet full of body.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the dough with that classic sugar cookie flavor we all know and love.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet ingredients, combining just enough to incorporate. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so keep it gentle here.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges turn a subtle golden color and a toothpick comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely — this is important before frosting to avoid melting and sliding.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the bars cool, whip up the frosting. Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy. If you want to get creative, add a few drops of food coloring to brighten your frosting in festive reds, greens, or any holiday hue you desire.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, creating a luscious layer. Finally, sprinkle generously with holiday sprinkles for that cheerful crunch and a perfect seasonal look.

Step 8: Cut and Serve

Cut the frosted cookie slab into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is ready to be enjoyed — the perfect balance of soft, sweet, and festive in every bite.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

These bars shine best with classic holiday sprinkles right on top, but don’t hesitate to sprinkle some crushed candy canes or edible glitter for an extra sparkle. A light dusting of powdered sugar can look like a fresh snowfall, adding to the seasonal charm.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookie bars alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa, eggnog, or mulled cider. Their buttery sweetness pairs perfectly with warm, spiced beverages, turning any snack time into a festive celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, arrange bars on a decorative platter lined with evergreen sprigs or holly leaves for an eye-catching centerpiece. You can also stack them in gift boxes tied with ribbon as delightful homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay moist and delicious for about 3 to 4 days—perfect for enjoying throughout the week after the celebrations.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting, or freeze them already frosted but consume within a week after thawing for the best texture.

Reheating

These bars are great enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer a warm treat, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the frosting slightly and gives a freshly-baked feel without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

While margarine can work in a pinch, butter is highly recommended because it provides the rich flavor and tender texture that make these bars so irresistible. Margarine tends to have more water and less fat, which can affect the final bake.

What’s the best way to cut these bars without frosting smearing?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For extra clean slices, chill the frosted bars for about 30 minutes before cutting, which firms up the frosting and reduces smearing.

Can I add spices or other flavors to the dough?

Absolutely! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract can add a wonderful twist to the classic base. Just start with a small amount so the flavors complement but don’t overpower the cookie’s delicate sweetness.

Are these bars gluten-free friendly?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and check for any necessary adjustments in baking time and texture.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

To mellow the sweetness, add a small pinch of salt or a teaspoon of cream cheese to the frosting. Both options balance the sugar and add complexity to the flavor while keeping that creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple yet wonderfully festive way to bring warmth and sweetness into your holiday celebrations. Once you try these bars, they’re sure to become a treasured staple on your holiday dessert table for years to come!